Author Archives: hksar gov

The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:

     The Hospital Authority (HA) Board discussed and endorsed at the Administrative and Operational Meeting today (October 25) the arrangement to extend maternity leave to 14 weeks with immediate effect.
 
     The HA spokesperson said that the arrangement was adopted, following the Policy Address on October 10 which suggested extending statutory maternity leave from the current 10 weeks to 14 weeks, to allow mothers more time to spend with and take care of their newborn babies. Except for the extension of the duration of maternity leave, the prevailing arrangements in respect of maternity leave for HA employees such as eligibility, the period for commencement of maternity leave, notification and documentary proof requirements shall remain unchanged.
 
     “The HA employees whose actual date of confinement or expected date of confinement falls on or after today are eligible for the extended maternity leave for 14 weeks,” the spokesperson said, adding that the HA will issue a human resources circular with frequently asked questions and answers to facilitate staff members’ understanding of the implementation details. The relevant webpage will also be updated accordingly for reference. read more

     The Secretary for Home Affairs, Mr Lau Kong-wah, today (October 25) attended the fourth cultural ministers’ meeting of the China-Arab States Cooperation Forum in Chengdu, Sichuan. Mr Lau participated in the meeting as a representative of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region and as a member of the Chinese delegation led by the Minister of Culture and Tourism, Mr Luo Shugang. The theme of the forum is cultural exchange and collaboration of China and Arab states under the international co-operation framework of the Belt and Road Initiative.
     
     Speaking at the meeting, Mr Lau said, “Hong Kong strives to expand co-operation and strengthen arts and cultural exchange with regions along the Belt and Road, in order to forge people-to-people bonds. Hong Kong has signed a Memorandum of Understanding on Cultural Co-operation with Egypt. We look forward to establishing closer ties on cultural collaboration with more Arab states.”

     He said Hong Kong has various kinds of cultural exchanges and co-operation with countries around the world, and the cultural exchanges between Hong Kong and the Arab states have been remarkable. Kuwait and Saudi Arabia have supported and participated in the yearly Asian Ethnic Cultural Performances, co-organised by the Hong Kong Government and consulates. Reciprocal visits have been arranged for officials responsible for cultural affairs from Hong Kong and the Arab states to conduct exchanges on museum services and library work.

     During the meeting, Mr Lau introduced the latest developments of the West Kowloon Cultural District, including the commissioning of the Xiqu Centre at the end of this year. The Hong Kong Palace Museum and M+ will be completed in the coming years. He said these two large-scale museums would integrate ancient and contemporary arts as well as Eastern and Western culture at the West Kowloon Cultural District.

     Today, Mr Lau visited cultural facilities in Chengdu to keep abreast of the city’s latest cultural developments. At night, he will attend the closing ceremony of the fourth Arabic Arts Festival. Mr Lau will return to Hong Kong tomorrow morning (October 26).

    

     The effective exchange rate index for the Hong Kong dollar on Thursday, October 25, 2018 is 105.8 (up 0.2 against yesterday’s index). read more

     The Home Affairs Bureau announced today (October 25) appointments to the Museum Advisory Committee (MAC) and its three standing sub-committees, namely the Art Sub-committee (ASC), History Sub-committee (HSC) and Science Su… read more

The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:      The Hospital Authority (HA) spokesperson announced the following senior appointment today (October 25).        Dr Desmond Nguyen will be… read more